The main feature of this edition is not only its unique story and high-quality artistic execution, but also the chance to provide real support to seriously ill children. Part of the funds — 5 hryvnias — from each sold copy is transferred to the charity fund «Tabletochki», and from there the money goes to the treatment of children with oncological diseases.
In the publishing house «Vydavnytstvo Staroho Leva», which released this book, they note that «Shapochka and the Whale» is a work for children that touches on far from childish topics. According to the plot, one spring a boy meets a whale, a friendship develops between them, and together they experience amazing adventures. But at this point the fairy-tale part ends, and a story full of adult problems begins: the hero is 8 years old, but he has never been to school — the boy spent the last year in the hospital due to leukemia. The hero's name is Shapochka. His view of the world, his perception of friendship, miracles, death, love, and the future differs greatly from how ordinary children see these things, and often turns out to be deeper than that of many adults. It is this feature that attracts attention to the character.
Children who find themselves in Shapochka's situation certainly expect support and participation from those around them, but no less they need communication, friendship, and an atmosphere in which they will not feel isolated. Kateryna Babkina's book is a great reason and a first step to talking with children and adults about those who are different from the majority, as well as a way to learn empathy, care, and tolerance for others. You can purchase «Shapochka and the Whale» and thus contribute to charity from the end of September at the 28 busiest gas stations of the «OKKO» network.
The goal of the project is to raise 1 million hryvnias by the end of 2016. You can also support the initiative on social networks using the hashtag #shapochka_i_milion_na_tabletochki.
